Arsenal vs Liverpool: Hugo Ekitike ‘did not train’ due to injury – Arne Slot

Arne Slot has confirmed that Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike is facing a race against time to be fit for Thursday’s highly anticipated Premier League showdown against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Ekitike, who has emerged as Liverpool’s top scorer this season, was absent from Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Fulham due to a muscle injury, and with the game against Arsenal fast approaching, Slot has revealed that the French forward has yet to return to full training.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Slot stated: “He hasn’t trained with us up until now. Let’s see if he can join the session later today. Two or three days ago, following our match against Fulham, I said that he wouldn’t be out for long, but with the fixtures coming thick and fast, it’s difficult to assess. It’s a matter of whether he can get back to training with the team or if it will take him an extra day or two to fully recover.”

This latest setback for Ekitike is compounded by further injury concerns, with fellow forward Alexander Isak ruled out due to a broken fibula. To add to Liverpool’s woes, talisman Mohamed Salah is unavailable as he is representing Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Liverpool’s draw at Craven Cottage meant they extended their unbeaten run to nine matches across all competitions, and they now sit fourth in the Premier League standings. However, despite the impressive record, Slot has come under scrutiny for his side’s lack of attacking potency, with the Reds dropping points in their last two outings.

“It’s nine games unbeaten, but we’ve definitely had two draws too many,” Slot admitted. “Where are we? I’ve said many times before, we’re not exactly where we want to be, but I’m confident in the talent of this squad. If we can get everyone fit and firing, I truly believe we can achieve something special this season.”

While Liverpool have enjoyed some memorable victories, including triumphs over top-tier opponents, their recent form has been inconsistent, with some underwhelming draws and disappointing losses dampening the mood. Slot acknowledged the challenge, stating: “We haven’t found the consistency we need. We’ve beaten some great teams, which shows the quality within the squad, but we need to build on that and ensure we’re not dropping points unnecessarily.”

Criticism of Liverpool’s style of play has also been a recurring theme, with the team’s performance under Slot often being described as lacking flair. The Dutch manager responded to the criticism with a measured stance: “It’s always difficult to hear such feedback, but I don’t completely disagree. I would phrase things differently and consider other factors. I’m always aiming to win as many trophies as possible, and I’ve built teams in the past that play attacking football. That’s something we’re still striving to do here, and it’s important to remember we’re a work in progress.”

As Liverpool prepare to face an in-form Arsenal side, Slot will be hoping to have Ekitike back at his disposal, as his side looks to maintain their top-four challenge in the Premier League.

Key Statistics: